Foreign Relations of the United States, 1977–1980, Volume XVII, Part 3, North Africa

128. Telegram From the Department of State to the Embassy in the United Kingdom¹

Washington, May 3, 1980, 2159Z

117964. Subject: Expulsion of Libyan Diplomats.

1. The following note was presented to the Libyan People’s Bureau on May 2: “The Department of State hereby notifies the People’s Bureau of the Diplomatic Mission of the Socialist People’s Libyan Arab Jamahariya that it is aware that members of the staff of the Bureau, Messrs. Nuri Swedan, Ali Ramram, Mohammad Gamudi, and Abdula Zbedi have engaged in conduct which the United States deems unacceptable. In accordance with Article 9 of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, these persons are herewith declared not acceptable. They are required to depart the United States within 72 hours. Thereafter, the United States will no longer regard them as members of the staff of the People’s Bureau entitled to the privileges, immunities and protection which they now enjoy by virtue of their official status and they will be subject to immediate expulsion.

Prior to their departure, these persons will be restricted to travel only by regularly traveled routes between their homes and offices and travel within a one mile radius of their homes as is necessary in connection with final departure preparations. Failure to observe these restrictions will result in the immediate termination of official status and immediate expulsion of the individual concerned. The People’s Bureau is further advised of its obligation to communicate to the Department of State the precise departure times of these persons.

The Department reminds the People’s Bureau of the specific duty, as set forth in Article 41 of the Vienna Diplomatic Relations Convention, of all persons enjoying privileges and immunities to respect the laws and regulations of the receiving state.”

2. At the time of the presentation of the note the following points were made:

—The United States Government, in declaring persona non grata two diplomats from the Libyan People’s Bureau on April 6, made it clear that acts of intimidation against Libyan students in the United States would not be tolerated.

—At that time we told you that if these activities continued, other members of the staff of the People’s Bureau could face expulsion—but if the activities ceased we were prepared to regard the incident as closed.

—We very much regret that your government has chosen to disregard this warning and that these activities are continuing in several countries, including the United States.

—Public statements by Libyan leaders—including open threats of the need for “elimination” of opposition—may have been interpreted by some Libyan officials in a manner involving a need to intimidate and threaten others. You are well aware, for example, of the allegations concerning the two murders of Libyans in London and the two in Rome and of your fellow countrymen now being held by the police of those countries.²

—Our action today is not based upon guesses and allegations; and you should know that we are acting on the basis of firm evidence. You are aware that our FBI has been very active in investigating the apparent campaign of intimidation in order to protect Libyan students in the U.S. That investigation has convinced us that this additional action is required. While it is not necessary in diplomatic situations to go into detail, you should therefore be assured that in expelling these four officials, we are acting on the basis of considerable evidence and information.

—As previously—we must warn you in the strongest possible terms that any further activity of this sort or any further intimidation places the status of the People’s Bureau in real and serious jeopardy. We are prepared to take further action—if necessary—to ensure that—contrary to the ideas advanced in the People’s Bureau note of April 19³ which we handed back to you on April 21—Libyans and all others who are in the United States—whether citizens or not—receive the full protection of U.S. law. We cannot tolerate assaults or intimidation, or other violations of U.S. law directed at these persons.

—When the People’s Bureau was first established there was much talk of dialogue. We welcomed that and tried to respond in a substantive fashion. We still desire improved relations with Tripoli; we are still willing to work with the People’s Bureau. There are, however, certain standards and norms of international conduct which cannot be ignored.⁴

3. For London: Please give text of note and talking points to FCO.

4. For other addressee posts: You may draw on note and talking points as appropriate to brief host government.

Newsom

1. Source: National Archives, RG 59, Central Foreign Policy File, D800221–0253. Confidential; Immediate. Sent for information Immediate to Paris. Sent for information to Madrid, Bonn, Rome, Athens, Valletta, and Tunis. Drafted by Roy; cleared in NEA/AFN, D/CT, L, and P; approved by Draper.
2. See Document 132.
3. Not found.
4. Also on May 2, the Department of State instructed the two remaining officers in Libya to leave Tripoli, and the Embassy was closed. (Department of State Bulletin, July 1980, p. 84) In June, Belgium agreed to represent the United States in Libya; see footnote 29, Document 134.